Listening to people's stories

  Throughout life humans are told many different stories by people which can influence or impact their lives significantly and change their perspectives on life. In the book Kaiaulu, author Mehana Vaughan mentions in the prologue that: "...listening to people's shared experiences then sharing them distilled to their essence...can help people see places and one another in new ways." Kaiaulu is all about sharing stories of people and places in Kauai's North Shore Community. I believe that Mehana's goal of writing the book Kailulu, is to make people value Hawaii through sharing these personal stories. When people understand the history of a land they begin to respect it more and care for it; they form a connection. I believe that her secondary goal is to raise sympathy and awareness for the people of Hawaii, many of whom have had their homes and land taken. By sharing harrowing stories of manipulation and eviction, support can be raised to ensure a better future both the land and the people of Hawaii, specifically those of Kaiaulu.